Dongan Hills fire brings large FDNY response

More than 12 FDNY units respond to an all-hands fire at 197 Garretson Avenue in Dongan Hills earlier this evening.

More than 12 FDNY units contained a small fire on the first floor of a two-story apartment building at 197 Garretson Avenue, around 6:45 this evening.

The all-hands fire brought over 60 firefighters, as the section of Garretson Avenue near the Dongan Hills train station was closed to traffic.

Dep. Chief Leicht of Division 8 said there were no injuries from the one-room fire, which was contained to an office on the first floor. While the cause of the blaze is still unclear, Leicht said it was probably electrical.

Ryan Brehm, who owns the Sign Guy store across the street said he heard the fire alarm go off and called 911. He used a fire extinguisher to control the flames until firefighters arrived.

"It was a small fire, but I didn't want it to spread anymore," he said.

People standing outside Lee's Tavern said they didn't understand why the fire warranted such a large response.